Position Details
Position title: Director of Buildings and Grounds
Department: Buildings and Grounds
Reports to: Superintendent of Schools
FLSA status: Exempt; cabinet position, salaried
Work year: 12 months, 260 days, full-time (1.0 FTE); evening and weekend work as needed; on-call for emergencies
Salary range: $75,000 – $90,000, based on experience.
Benefits: Health, Dental, Life, Disability, PERA Pension, PTO package
Direct reports: Custodians, maintenance and grounds staff across all school district sites.
Position Summary
The Director of Buildings and Grounds leads Pine Island Public Schools' facilities operations, maintenance, custodial services, and grounds care so every school is safe, clean, code-compliant, and ready for learning. The Director manages the department budget, deferred maintenance and capital projects, energy and mechanical systems (including boiler plants), and the health and safety compliance programs the district must maintain under state and federal law. This is a licensed-trades leadership role: the successful candidate holds a Minnesota boiler engineer license and can personally evaluate the condition and operation of the district's mechanical systems.
Qualifications
Required
Minnesota boiler engineer license, First Class (Class C or higher), held at time of hire. The license must remain valid and in good standing throughout employment.
Demonstrated experience in a supervisory capacity, including directing, scheduling, training, and evaluating staff.
High school diploma or GED and other training as required, with demonstrated knowledge of the basic principles of construction, maintenance, and management.
Valid Minnesota driver's license and ability to travel among district sites.
Ability to pass a background check as required by Minnesota law for school employees.
Preferred
Experience in facilities management, engineering, construction management, business, or a related field.
Experience in a K-12 or other public-sector setting with multiple facilities.
Experience managing LTFM, Health and Safety, or other Minnesota school facility funding and reporting.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to a school board and working with building administrators and community groups.
Working knowledge of HVAC, boiler and mechanical plant, plumbing, and electrical systems, and experience with operations relating to Building Automation Systems and preventative maintenance programs.
Knowledge of OSHA/MNOSHA, ADA, fire and building codes, environmental health and safety regulations, and public-sector purchasing and bidding.
Experience developing and managing budgets and capital or renovation projects.
At least three years of experience planning or maintaining facilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Plan, direct, and evaluate the work of building, custodial, maintenance, and grounds staff, directly or through lead positions.
Lead recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, evaluation, and discipline for department staff, consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Build a culture of positivity, collaboration, vision & direction, and safety across all sites.
Oversee operation, inspection, and maintenance of boilers, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, refrigeration, and building automation systems; ensure boiler and pressure-vessel inspections, logs, and licensing meet Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry requirements.
Establish and monitor preventive maintenance programs and work-order systems.
Monitor energy use and implement efficiency and sustainability improvements.
Develop and maintain the district's 10-year Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) plan and deferred maintenance priorities.
Plan, bid, and manage remodeling, renovation, and construction projects; serve as district liaison to architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants.
Prepare specifications, evaluate bids, and recommend awards in compliance with Minnesota public bidding law.
Develop, recommend, and monitor the department operating and capital budgets, including Health and Safety and LTFM revenue.
Manage purchasing, vendor contracts, and service agreements; support property and liability insurance requirements.
Prepares financial reports and recommendations for district leadership.
Ensure compliance with OSHA/MNOSHA, ADA, fire and building codes, and environmental regulations (including asbestos/AHERA, lead in water, radon, and indoor air quality).
Chair or serve on the district safety committee; maintain required records and inspection documentation; support emergency and crisis management planning.
Oversee grounds care, athletic fields, parking lots, snow and ice removal, and grounds equipment.
Coordinate facility use and event support with school sites, activities, community education, and outside groups.
To apply: https://www.pineisland.k12.mn.us/, with cover letter, resume, a copy of the current boiler license, and three references. Applications accepted until 11/01/2026 or until filled.
Contemporary Crafts class constructed creative, natural baskets with grape vines and willow branches. Students went to the pond near the nature play trail and harvested materials, designed their baskets, and wove multiple sizes and shapes. This project was part of the No Child Left Inside teacher cohort.
Students in the Middle School Conservation Crew planted over 80 tulip bulbs at the Nature Play Trail yesterday. The trail will be full of color this spring :)
Roots & Shoots Environmental Club needs YOUR help to make this year’s Pumpkin Luminary Trail a success!
We’ve had so much community support for this event in the past, but right now, we have only 5 pumpkins RSVP’d. 😬 That’s far from enough to light up the trail, and we need our community to step up if we’re going to make this event happen!
How can YOU help? 🎃
1. Carve pumpkins! Gather your family, friends, students, coworkers, or business/organization and carve pumpkins together! This is also a fun and creative way for local businesses and organizations to advertise and connect with the community. (RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyQyWGzHyp6Syxu7vGyR4UqzYnKTAlfnO4mXGzgUaBLReltg/viewform?usp=header )
2. Host a Trick-or-Treat station! Businesses, organizations, families, and community groups are invited to host a station along the trail.(RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyQyWGzHyp6Syxu7vGyR4UqzYnKTAlfnO4mXGzgUaBLReltg/viewform?usp=header)
3. Donate pumpkins and/or candy for the event! Don't have time to carve? Donate pumpkins for our students to carve - or candy for Trick or Treat Stations! Reach out to Megan Schimek (meschimek@pineisland.k12.mn.us) to donate!
4. Attend the event! Bring your family and friends for a fun evening on the trail!
📅 Friday, October 30 | 5–7 PM
📍 Collins Park, Pine Island
Admission is free! Free-will donations of cash or nonperishable food items will benefit the Pine Island Sharing Shelves.
Costumes are encouraged!
This event brings our community together for a fun fall evening while supporting local families in need.
Last year, we had 200 pumpkins lighting the trail. Can we do it again? Maybe even beat that number?! 🎃🎃🎃
Please comment below, share this post, and help us spread the word.
Thank you!
2026 Roots and Shoots Students
IMPORTANT: PINE ISLAND SCHOOL CALENDAR CHANGE
Families, please take note of this calendar update!
Wednesday, December 23, 2026, will now be an EARLY RELEASE DAY for Pine Island Schools.
Please mark your calendars and make any necessary arrangements for your students' early dismissal.
Thank you for your flexibility and for helping us spread the word!
Families, please take note of this calendar update!
Wednesday, December 23, 2026, will now be an EARLY RELEASE DAY for Pine Island Schools.
Please mark your calendars and make any necessary arrangements for your students' early dismissal.
Thank you for your flexibility and for helping us spread the word!
Some of the dates and times have changed since the beginning of the school year. Update your calendar.
We look forward to seeing you in our audience.
We look forward to seeing you in our audience.
It's Peace Poster Time!
How do I enter the Peace Poster Contest?
-Get an Entry Form (From Mrs. Flaig, 5-12 office, or Click this link to print a copy.)
-Think of an idea that visually communicates the theme: “Harmony in Humanity”
*** Use color, layers, and symbols to express what the theme means to you.
NO Words or numbers, or any language on the artwork
Sketch & Plan ideas
- Paper Size = 16” x 20” (**Ask Mrs. Flaig for the poster paper )
-Fill out the Entry Form – A parent / guardian signature is required
Write an Artist Statement describing your artwork.
- DUE: October 30, 2026
Turn in creative poster & Signed Entry Form to Mrs. Flaig (Art Teacher)
We're Hiring!
Location: Pine Island School District, 5-12 Building, Pine Island, MN
Position: Paraeducator – Student Support
Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Position Overview:
Pine Island School District is seeking a flexible, dependable, and compassionate Paraeducator to support students with disabilities in our middle and high school special education programs.
We are looking for a team-oriented individual who is passionate about supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs, and who can adapt to different settings, routines, and educational levels.
Key Responsibilities:
Middle-High School / General Assignment:
Support students with disabilities in special education and general education settings by implementing IEP accommodations and modifications.
Promote independence and engagement in academic and functional tasks.
Assist with behavior support plans and reinforce positive behavior strategies.
Provide supervision and assistance during transitions, lunch, or unstructured settings as needed.
General Responsibilities:
Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and other staff members to ensure consistent and inclusive support.
Maintain accurate records of support provided and time spent with students with disabilities.
Communicate regularly with special education case managers regarding student progress or concerns.
Participate in required training and professional development activities.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent required and Associate degree or higher (preferred); or passing score on the Paraeducator assessment (within 60 days of employment).
Experience working with youth with disabilities in a school-age setting.
Ability to manage a range of student needs with patience, consistency, and care.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Willingness and physical ability to support mobility or personal care needs when required.
Flexibility to adapt to varying schedules and assignments.
Pay and Compensation
Pay rate: $17.87 - $25.71 per hour (based on experience and ESP Master Agreement).
Benefits: Includes eligibility for health, dental, vision, PERA retirement plan, and a generous PTO plan.
Please fill out the application online at www.pineisland.k12.mn.us.
Location: Pine Island School District, 5-12 Building, Pine Island, MN
Position: Paraeducator – Student Support
Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Position Overview:
Pine Island School District is seeking a flexible, dependable, and compassionate Paraeducator to support students with disabilities in our middle and high school special education programs.
We are looking for a team-oriented individual who is passionate about supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs, and who can adapt to different settings, routines, and educational levels.
Key Responsibilities:
Middle-High School / General Assignment:
Support students with disabilities in special education and general education settings by implementing IEP accommodations and modifications.
Promote independence and engagement in academic and functional tasks.
Assist with behavior support plans and reinforce positive behavior strategies.
Provide supervision and assistance during transitions, lunch, or unstructured settings as needed.
General Responsibilities:
Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and other staff members to ensure consistent and inclusive support.
Maintain accurate records of support provided and time spent with students with disabilities.
Communicate regularly with special education case managers regarding student progress or concerns.
Participate in required training and professional development activities.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent required and Associate degree or higher (preferred); or passing score on the Paraeducator assessment (within 60 days of employment).
Experience working with youth with disabilities in a school-age setting.
Ability to manage a range of student needs with patience, consistency, and care.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Willingness and physical ability to support mobility or personal care needs when required.
Flexibility to adapt to varying schedules and assignments.
Pay and Compensation
Pay rate: $17.87 - $25.71 per hour (based on experience and ESP Master Agreement).
Benefits: Includes eligibility for health, dental, vision, PERA retirement plan, and a generous PTO plan.
Please fill out the application online at www.pineisland.k12.mn.us.
Do you enjoy all things fall? 🍂👻 Spooky fun, games, treats, and prizes! Come help the Early Learning Center have a ghoul of a time! 🎃
Scan the QR code to sign up to volunteer. We’d love to have you join the fun!
Scan the QR code to sign up to volunteer. We’d love to have you join the fun!
Do you have a child between the ages of 3–5? Minnesota requires all children to complete an Early Childhood Screening before entering kindergarten!
📅 Our next screening date is Tuesday, November 10th!
📞 Give the Pine Island Early Learning Center a call today to schedule your child's appointment. We'd love to help get your little one ready for kindergarten! 🐾
507-356-8876
📅 Our next screening date is Tuesday, November 10th!
📞 Give the Pine Island Early Learning Center a call today to schedule your child's appointment. We'd love to help get your little one ready for kindergarten! 🐾
507-356-8876
📣 REMINDER: Early Dismissal Tomorrow!
Just a reminder that Pine Island Schools will have an early dismissal tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14!
🕧 Dismissal Times:
K–4: 12:25 PM
Grades 5–12: 12:42 PM
🍎 All students will have lunch before dismissal.
Please plan accordingly for pickup and after-school arrangements.
Just a reminder that Pine Island Schools will have an early dismissal tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14!
🕧 Dismissal Times:
K–4: 12:25 PM
Grades 5–12: 12:42 PM
🍎 All students will have lunch before dismissal.
Please plan accordingly for pickup and after-school arrangements.
Roots and Shoots Environmental Club is excited to host our annual Pumpkin Luminary Trail on Friday, October 30, from 5–7 p.m. at Collins Park!
This fun community event supports our local Sharing Shelves food pantry, and we need your help to make it a success!
We’re looking for:
Pumpkin Carvers: Businesses, organizations, families, and individuals willing to carve pumpkins to light up the trail.
Trick-or-Treat Hosts: Businesses, organizations, and groups interested in hosting a trick-or-treat station along the trail.
Last year, we lined the trail with 200 pumpkins! Let’s see if we can make this year even bigger and better with the help of our amazing community.
Please RSVP if you’d like to participate. Thank you for helping us create a fun fall tradition while giving back to our community!
RSVP Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfyQyWGzHyp6Syxu7vGyR4UqzYnKTAlfnO4mXGzgUaBLReltg/viewform?usp=header
We are also looking for local farmers who are interested in the leftover pumpkins at the end of the evening to feed to their animals :) Send an email to Megan Schimek meschimek@pineisland.k12.mn.us if interested.
Join our Early Learning team for a fun and festive family event at the Early Learning Center! 🎃🤖👻 Mark your calendar for October 22nd! Families will enjoy trick or treating in a safe, activity-filled environment.
**We are asking for non-perishables donations at the door to support our Pine Island Sharing Shelves.
**We are asking for non-perishables donations at the door to support our Pine Island Sharing Shelves.
Culture Club members attended a performance of The Hispanic Flamenco Ballet today in Minneapolis showcasing music, dance, and art from all over the Spanish-speaking world. Some of them even got to get on stage and learn some dance steps . Afterwards they stopped at The Burrito Mercado for some lunch and shopping.
Today, the PIHS Aspiring Educators' Club is proud to celebrate the future of education starting right here in our own school!
We would like to recognize three incredible seniors who are pursuing college degrees in education after graduation:
Brynlee Beauperlant
Analeigh Duda
Cody Schiltz
Thank you, Brynlee, Analeigh, and Cody for choosing a path that shapes young minds and builds strong communities. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in your future classrooms!
The High School Student Council is still seeking 2 more convertibles for the Homecoming Parade this Friday. Please contact Kylie Stai at kylie.stai@pineisland.k12.mn.us if you are willing to lend your convertible for the parade. Thank you for considering!
More pictures from the Soccer Appreciation Night.
Last week, our girls soccer team celebrated Staff Appreciation Night!
During this special night, our athletes had the opportunity to recognize a staff member who has made a meaningful impact on their educational journey. Our staff members were personally invited with a handwritten card and presented with a decorated soccer ball as a small token of appreciation. At the beginning of the game, each honored staff member was announced and walked onto the field alongside the player who selected them.
It was an incredible night! All staff members were also invited to participate in our staff raffle for the chance to win some fun prizes! From cheering on our athletes to recognizing and celebrating our amazing staff. The evening was filled with appreciation, connection, and plenty of soccer spirit! We are so grateful for the amazing staff members from Pine Island and Zumbrota-Mazeppa who support, encourage, and make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes every day.
During this special night, our athletes had the opportunity to recognize a staff member who has made a meaningful impact on their educational journey. Our staff members were personally invited with a handwritten card and presented with a decorated soccer ball as a small token of appreciation. At the beginning of the game, each honored staff member was announced and walked onto the field alongside the player who selected them.
It was an incredible night! All staff members were also invited to participate in our staff raffle for the chance to win some fun prizes! From cheering on our athletes to recognizing and celebrating our amazing staff. The evening was filled with appreciation, connection, and plenty of soccer spirit! We are so grateful for the amazing staff members from Pine Island and Zumbrota-Mazeppa who support, encourage, and make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes every day.
Picture retakes by Jostens for the middle and high school have been rescheduled to Wednesday, October 14th in the morning.
We apologize for the late notice, but due to staffing issues with Jostens today, the picture retakes at the middle and high school need to be postponed to a later date. The new date will be announced once it is scheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience.